Spied: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class sheds more camo

Mercedes GLA caught undergoing early prototype testing

by Vince Pornelos

July 31, 2017 18:32

Mercedes-Benz is continuing the charge of their new generation compact cars (NGCC), and the best evidence of it was just spotted undergoing testing in Germany.

The photos taken by our spies clearly show that the Stuttgart-based luxury automaker is working to develop an all new GLA; the company's smallest luxury crossover. The prototype seen here has dropped quite a bit of its camouflage, allowing us to see more of the car itself.

ADVERTISEMENT

The GLA seen here is clearly based on the A-Class; a sign that our spies interpret as an intentional move by Mercedes-Benz to bring the two more closer together in order to save on the development costs.

Like before, the GLA-Class and A-Class will share the same platform, albeit with the former having a taller ride, bigger wheels and, based on the images, a slightly wider track. It is also expected that the GLA-Class and A-Class will have commonalities with the engine choices with petrol, diesel, and even the AMG performance engines. Similar gearboxes are also expected, along with what could be an all-electric version.

The GLA-Class is expected to debut sometime between late 2019 and early 2020, meaning that Mercedes-Benz still has a lot of time to test the production body later on.